Occult fractures in preschool children

Management of Toddler's Fracture: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

In studies that included children diagnosed with toddler's fractures (TFs), we determined the fracture-related adverse outcomes in those treated with immobilization versus no immobilization. Furthermore, we compared health services utilization between these 2 immobilization strategies.

METHODS

A search was done on Ovid MEDLINE(R), Embase Classic + Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials along with reference lists as conference proceedings and abstracts. No language or publication status or location restrictions were used. All study steps, including the methodological quality assessment, were conducted independently and in duplicate by 2 authors.

RESULTS

Of the 490 references identified, 4 retrospective studies of low quality met inclusion criteria and collectively included 355 study participants. With respect to fracture-related adverse outcomes, there was no risk difference [0; 95% confidence interval (CI), -0.09 to 0.09] between the immobilization and no immobilization treatment strategies. Furthermore, in the immobilization versus no immobilization groups, there was a higher mean difference in the number of radiographs (0.69; 95% CI, 0.15-1.23) and scheduled outpatient orthopedic visits (0.96; 95% CI, 0.24-1.68), but a decreased relative risk (0.41; 95% CI, 0.05-3.19) of repeat emergency department visits. No data were reported on patient pain or caregiver satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

In children with TF, this study suggests that no immobilization may be a safe alternative to immobilization for this minor fracture; however, high-quality evidence is needed to optimally inform clinical decision making. Future work should include validated measures of patient recovery, pain, and caregiver perspectives when comparing treatment strategies for this injury.

Outcomes of Short Versus Long Leg Casts for Childhood Accidental Spiral Tibial CAST Fractures

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the current study was to analyze the outcomes of short versus long leg casts in the treatment of childhood accidental spiral tibial (CAST) fractures.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of medical records at a single tertiary children's hospital from 2009 to 2014 of children with distal, spiral tibial fractures (CAST fractures). The following points were documented for each patient: sex, laterality of fracture, age at presentation, type of cast, length of time in cast, use of a controlled ankle motion boot after cast removal, suspicion for abuse, and complications including skin irritation, skin breakdown, infection, compartment syndrome, fracture displacement, and gait disturbances.

RESULTS

A total of 21 patients with an age range of 12 to 62 months were found to have CAST fractures as confirmed by x-ray. Fourteen were treated with short leg casts, whereas 7 were treated with long leg casts. Both groups healed with equal outcomes, and there was no documented suspicion for abuse in any case.

CONCLUSIONS

A short leg walking cast seems to be an effective and safe method of treatment for CAST fractures and could be considered as potentially preferable to long leg casts because of the added benefits of increased mobility and function. Follow-up to this preliminary study is warranted to better elucidate any differences in benefit between these treatment options, and clinical judgment should be used when considering immobilization options.

Toddler's Fractures: Time to Weight-bear With Regard to Immobilization Type and Radiographic Monitoring

BACKGROUND

The toddler's fracture is a common pediatric nondisplaced spiral tibia fracture that is considered stable with a course of immobilization. However, there is no widely accepted type of immobilization, expected time to weight-bear, nor guidelines for radiographic monitoring. We aimed to compare immobilization type with respect to displacement and time to weight-bear, as well as determine the usefulness of follow-up radiographs.

METHODS

A 3-year retrospective chart review of all children aged 9 months to 4 years who had a lower leg radiograph was performed. Those who fulfilled the criteria of a nondisplaced spiral tibia fracture, without fibula or physeal injury, were included in data collection, as were subjects with a negative initial radiograph that were treated presumptively as a toddler's fracture. Subjects were compared with regard to clinical and radiographic presentation; initial and subsequent immobilization; and clinical and radiographic follow-up.

RESULTS

There were 606 subjects with lower leg radiographs, with 192 meeting study criteria: 117 (61%) with an initially visible fracture and 75 (39%) without. Of the 75 without initially visible fractures, 70 (93%) had robust periosteal reaction on follow-up, and none were diagnosed as anything further. At final follow-up, 184 (96%) were known to be weight-bearing, with 98% of these by 4 weeks. There was an earlier return to weight-bear for those initially treated in a boot compared with short leg cast (2.5 vs. 2.8 wk, P=0.04), but there were no other differences between immobilization type. No fractures displaced at any time point, including 7 that had received no immobilization. Patients received an average of 2.5 two-radiograph series; no radiographs were noted to affect treatment decisions in follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

In our cohort, initial immobilization of a toddler's fracture in a boot may allow faster return to weight-bearing, but fractures were universally stable regardless of immobilization type, and nearly all regained weight-bearing by 4 weeks. This reliable healing suggests that immobilization type can be at the physician and family's discretion, and that radiographic follow-up may be unnecessary for treatment planning.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III-this is a retrospective comparative study.

Management of Toddler's Fractures in the Pediatric Emergency Department

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate current practice in treatment of toddler's fractures, as well as subsequent healthcare utilization and complications.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of children age 9 months to 3 years with a radiographically evident toddler's fracture diagnosed at a single academic pediatric emergency department (PED) from January 2008 to December 2012. Data collected included initial form of immobilization (if any), referral to orthopedic clinic, number of repeat radiographs obtained, presence of skin breakdown related to splinting or casting, and presence of other complications.

RESULTS

Seventy-five patients were treated. Most patients were placed in splints or casts in the PED (66.7%) as opposed to controlled ankle motion (CAM) boot (24%) or no immobilization (9.3%). Splinted patients had a longer total duration of immobilization, higher rate of follow-up in orthopedic clinic, and greater number of repeat radiographs obtained than those in the CAM boot or no immobilization groups. Thirteen patients (17.3%) developed skin breakdown during their course of therapy; all of these patients had been placed in a splint or cast in the PED. No difference in PED return rates was observed between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

There is wide variation in management of toddler's fractures within this single tertiary care PED. Given that these fractures are unlikely to displace and that complications of splinting and casting are not insignificant, this study suggests that immobilization may not be necessary for acute management of toddler's fractures.

Small rounded B-cell lymphoma of bone presented by limp, with a positive multifocal 99mTc MDP bone scintigraphy pattern and a negative 99mTc HMPAO-labeled leukocytes study

In this article, we present a rare case of B-cell bone lymphoma in a child with multifocal asymptomatic lesions detected by bone scintigraphy and a chronic clinical history characterized by limping and fever episodes for over a year. Initially, multifocal osteomyelitis was suspected and antibiotic therapy was administered with no clinical improvement. The biopsy of the main lesion in the left distal femur along with bone marrow cytology established the final diagnosis. This rare case illustrates the utility of routinely low cost-effective nuclear medicine studies like whole body bone scan and 99mTc hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime-labeled leukocytes to orientate similar cases to a correct diagnosis.

Utility of total lower extremity radiography investigation of nonweight bearing in the young child

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this work was to determine the utility of total lower extremity radiographs versus dedicated tibia radiographs in the evaluation of the young child presenting with nonweight bearing without localizing signs.

METHODS

This was an institutional review board-approved retrospective review of 263 consecutive patients between the ages of 9 months and 4 years who were referred for total lower extremity radiography between September 29, 2001, and November 7, 2006. Among these, a total of 133 study subjects met inclusion criteria of presentation with nonweight bearing without localizing signs or history of previous trauma. The control population was selected from 1089 consecutive patients between the ages of 9 months and 4 years evaluated from January 5, 1999 and December 8, 2006, who had only tibia radiographs at presentation. From this group, a final control population of 128 patients was selected with similar presentation of nonweight bearing without localizing signs or history of previous trauma. Causes of nonweight bearing were recorded for both groups based on radiograph findings and additional studies performed during workup.

RESULTS

At initial presentation, fractures were present in 13 study patients (9.8%) and in 23 control patients (17.9%). Total fractures (when including follow-up) were present in 14 study patients (10.5%) and in 26 control patients (20.3%). Fractures were located in the tibia alone in 100% of patients in the study group. Extratibial fracture (metatarsal) was present in 1 patient in the control group (0.7%). Among the study group, additional diagnoses included rickets (n = 1), cerebellar ataxia (n = 1), and discitis with epidural abscess (n = 1).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study findings indicate that the diagnostic value of total lower extremity radiography is similar to dedicated tibia radiography in the workup of the nonweight-bearing young child without trauma history or localizing signs. Radiation and cost savings can be realized by reserving additional radiographs for patients with high clinical suspicion and normal findings on dedicated tibia radiography.

Broken Bones

Lower extremity injuries and fractures occur frequently in young children and adolescents. Nurses are often one of the first healthcare providers to assess a child with an injury or fracture. Although basic fracture care and principles can be applied, nurses caring for these young patients must have a good understanding of normal bone growth and development as well as common mechanisms of injury and fracture patterns seen in children. Similar to many of the injuries in the upper extremity, fractures in the lower extremity in children often can be treated nonoperatively with closed reduction and casting. However, this article will also review several lower extremity fractures that frequently require surgical intervention to obtain a precise anatomical reduction. Common mechanisms of injury, fracture patterns, and current management techniques will be discussed. Teaching strategies and guidelines that will enable nurses and nurse practitioners to confidently educate parents, families, and other providers caring for these young patients will be reviewed.

The limping child

A limp suggests an underlying pathology causing the abnormal gait pattern. There is a long list of possible causes. The challenge for the physician is to identify the cause and act accordingly. The purpose of this article is to instruct on the assessment of a child with a limp.

Sever's injury: a stress fracture of the immature calcaneal metaphysis

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in children with a presumptive diagnosis of Sever's apophysitis and with continuing pain after conservative treatment demonstrated bone bruising within the trabecular bone of the metaphyseal region adjacent to the calcaneal apophysis. Limited portions of the apophyseal secondary ossification center showed similar increased signal changes. MRI studies following treatment with immobilization showed subsidence or disappearance of the metaphyseal but not any apophyseal signal changes commensurate with improvement in symptoms. Accordingly, the disorder commonly referred to as Sever's ''apophysitis'' may be a metaphyseal trabecular stress fracture, similar to the toddler's calcaneal stress fracture that has minimal or no involvement of the apophyseal ossification center, and thus should not be referred to as an apophysitis. Rather, it appears to be an overuse injury causing microinjury within the developing metaphyseal "equivalent" trabecular bone that has not completely adapted to the changing biologic (biomechanical) requirements of the growing, athletically active child.

Child abuse in infants with proximal physeal injuries of the femur

OBJECTIVE

Child abuse has been recognized to be a common cause of femur fractures in infants. Fractures of the proximal femoral physis in abused infants have been less emphasized. Our report seeks to highlight this infrequent but clinically important inflicted injury.

METHODS

Report of 2 cases and a literature review of fractures of the proximal femoral physis in infants, including the role of abuse in this injury.

CONCLUSION

Proximal femoral physeal injuries occur infrequently in infants but often result from abuse. Diagnosis may be difficult due to lack of femoral head ossification before 4 months of age and clinical findings suggesting developmental dysplasia of the hip. Current imaging modalities can differentiate physeal injuries from developmental dysplasia of the hip. Early recognition and treatment can minimize sequelae.

Digital radiography in the diagnosis of Toddler's fracture

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of digital imaging in the diagnosis of toddler's fractures.

METHODS

Medical records for a 9.4-year period were reviewed to locate children whose initial radiographs were interpreted as normal by a pediatric radiologist and whose subsequent bone scans or follow-up radiographs showed toddler's fractures. Radiographs from these children (ie, positive controls) and from children without toddler's fractures (ie, negative controls) were digitized to create a film bank that was reviewed by a panel of 14 physicians with various medical backgrounds. Medical records were reviewed for demographic information, findings on history and physical examination, and radiographic and laboratory tests.

RESULTS

Pediatric radiology physicians correctly diagnosed 73.2 +/- 5.4% of the digitized images, as compared with pediatric emergency physicians, 66.7 +/- 6.5% and residents/fellows, 57.1 +/- 6.9%.

CONCLUSION

Digitized images may be helpful in evaluating limping children with suspected toddler's fractures, possibly eliminating the need for further diagnostic studies.

The limping child

The limping child often presents to the emergency department with a nonspecific history and physical examination. The components of gait, the pathophysiology of specific abnormalities, and the conditions that may produce long-term morbidity must be identified expeditiously to assure return to normal function. Ancillary data and imaging may be essential for appropriate management.

Occult fracture of the calcaneus in toddlers

Five children 14-33 months of age were treated for calcaneal fractures. All had a history of trauma with limping or refusal to walk. Physical examination could not localize the fracture. Initial radiographs were negative. There were no signs of systemic illness. They were treated with long-leg casts. Radiographs after 2 weeks revealed an arc of sclerosis across the tuberosity of the calcaneus. In no case was a bone scan instrumental in making the diagnosis. Awareness of calcaneal fractures in the child younger than 36 months can prevent the routine use of bone scans to make the diagnosis.

Occult distal radial fractures

The radiological diagnosis of distal radial fractures is usually easy, but some fractures without displacement cannot be detected at the first examination. In this retrospective study of 626 wrist injuries diagnosed as "wrist sprain" we found 39 distal radial fractures which were discovered only after repeated examinations. The incidence of distal radial fractures was much higher than other wrist fractures that were diagnosed after repeated examinations. Repeat standard four-view X-ray examination, as well as other imaging methods, are necessary to diagnose these fractures.

Undiagnosed fractures in severely injured children and young adults. Identification with technetium imaging

A whole-body bone scan was performed to search for undetected fractures in forty-eight patients who had multiple injuries or a head injury, or both, and who were less than twenty-two years old. The study took place from January 1991 to July 1992. Radiographs had been made of all areas of suspected skeletal trauma at the time of admission. Follow-up plain radiographs were made of all areas where unexpected abnormal tracer activity was noted. Forty-two of these areas were noted in eighteen skeletally immature patients and fifty-two, in twelve skeletally mature patients. Nineteen previously unrecognized fractures were identified in the subsequent radiographic analysis. Four skeletally immature and two skeletally mature patients had an alteration in treatment on the basis of the identification of a previously undiagnosed injury. Each of these six patients had a cast applied. A fracture was identified three weeks or more after the injury in two skeletally mature patients. These fractures would have been treated (one with a cast and the other with open reduction and internal fixation) if they had been diagnosed earlier. We believe that this analysis demonstrates the usefulness of technetium radionucleotide bone-imaging, as an adjuvant to the orthopaedic examination, in the identification of undiagnosed musculoskeletal injuries in a patient who is less that twenty-two years old and who has sustained a head injury or multiple injuries, or both.

Toddler's fracture of the calcaneum

Calcaneal fractures in very young children are thought to be rare. We report on seven calcaneal fractures in children under the age of 36 months in the absence of a history of significant injury. In five cases plain radiology was normal, but the diagnosis was reached using scintigraphy. We suggest that this is not such a rare injury, and that wider use of scintigraphy will assist in making the diagnosis. The prognosis of this injury is excellent.

The toddler's fracture revisited

The authors have reviewed our experience with 37 cases of toddler's fracture. This fracture of the distal tibia occurs in 1 to 4 year-old-children. History of trauma is usually trivial and the physical findings and radiological appearance are often subtle. The latter consists of a faint oblique lucent line crossing the distal tibia and terminating medially. It is usually seen on the anteroposterior view, poorly seen on the lateral and well seen on the internal oblique. Initial radiographs may be normal. A similar fracture of the midshaft of the tibia was associated with child abuse. Treatment consists of immobilization for a few weeks to protect the limb and to relieve pain. Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion and is important because it obviates the need for investigations to rule out more sinister etiologies such as tumor or infection. The finding of a midshaft tibial fracture may indicate child abuse.